Ragdoll Genetics: The Facts for Colors, Patterns and Variety

Have you paid much attention to the colors and patterns of your Ragdoll cat? Maybe you’re a breeder who wants to learn more about what to expect from a litter. The subject of Ragdoll genetics is pretty fascinating as you get into it. There is a tool you can use to predict the colors and patterns that each cat will carry.

I recently asked our readers to send me pictures of their cats and the parents of their feline friends. It’s fun to see how the Ragdoll genetics of their parents create the colors and patterns of their litter.

It’s especially fun seeing whether the child looks more like mom or dad! And, if you’re lucky enough to have a pregnant Ragdoll or you’re even just getting into breeding, it’s possible to predict what the likely colors and patterns of the kittens will be.

Ragdoll Genetics Cat Breed Introduction

The story of Ragdoll genetics is an interesting one. And it all started with a stray cat.

Ragdolls were developed in the 1960’s by Ann Baker; a breeder in Riverside California.

The origin of the Ragdoll breed consisted almost entirely of free-roaming cats.

Ann bred Josephine, a domestic longhaired white female that was found running loose in her neighborhood, to other cats she owned or found.

The offspring of this female had unique temperament traits that were very endearing.

By selecting individuals with the look, temperament and criteria she wanted for her breeding program, she created the Ragdoll breed.

via CFA.org

Using Ragdoll Genetics to Predict a Litter

There are various websites that you can use to predict the color and pattern of the kittens, which the mating will produce.

One of the best is from the British Ragdoll Cat Club. This lets you add in the color and pattern of the sire and the dam, and you’ll get a breakdown of the male and female kitten possibilities.

There are eight main colors of Ragdoll cats.

The primary colors in Ragdoll genetics are:

• Seal
• Red
• Cinnamon
• Chocolate

And the wonderful dilute colors of:

• Blue
• Lilac
• Fawn
• Cream

The difference is that the primaries are more dominant. This means that if you want to specifically breed a dilute, you need to be more selective.

The most prominent color of traditional Ragdolls is a seal, while lilac is among the rarest. Despite their popularity, lilacs are in high demand for breeders.

Cinnamon and fawn aren’t as popular. But there are catteries actively breeding them.

You can find out more about the different combinations in Ragdoll genetics through these color charts:

• RFCI.org
• Ragdoll International Colors
• Ragdoll International Colors Part 2
• Ragdoll International Colors Part 3

Ideally, when predicting mating results, you’ll know the prominent and the dilute genes cats carry. This will make the predictions in Ragdoll genetics much more accurate. Also, genetic testing of your breeding cats will help you know what you’re dealing with.

Breeding Standards for Colors and Ragdoll Genetics

It’s very important for breeders to maintain the standards of purebred Ragdoll cats, and a lot of that is down to how protected the colors are. Tracing pattern is also essential for breeders, as it helps to control the white spotting gene in a litter.

Most breeders in the US will stick to breeding cats with a High Mitted Bicolor pattern, only since that ensures the white spotting gene doesn’t become too prominent.

Other breeds will use True Bicolour or Mid High White. They do include more white. Or at least, they would typically do, but there are variances.

High Mitted cats express less white than True Bicolor or Mid-High Whites, but some cats could look similar even with the different genetics.

You might get a High Mitted that is at the max white it could be, which looks like it has an almost identical pattern to a Mid High White (they’re at the minimal white of the genetic patterns).

That’s why, if you’re a breeder, you need to know the pattern you’re working with at a genetic level.

Thus, you’ll know for sure what patterns you’re working with, and you can accurately predict the patterns of kittens. Besides, you’ll have better control over the White Spotting Factor (WSF).

• The Ragdoll Fanciers Club International has a good technical explanation.
• Or, if you’re new to breeding and Ragdoll genetics and finding it a little tricky, then the RaGalaxy website makes it a little clearer with a metaphor around lightbulbs and brightness.

Breeders Share Their Favorite Ragdoll Genetics Tips

I spoke to Stormi Nell, a breeder at FamilytimeRags Ragdolls. She shared that her favorite mating will always be Mitted-to-Mitted breeding. It can produce all 3 patterns in the litter:

• Mitted
• Colorpoint
• Bicolor.

Are All Ragdoll Kittens Born Colored White?

Actually, yes! It’s worth noting that all Ragdoll kittens are born white.

The color will develop over the first 8-10 weeks of your cat’s age, although it’ll keep developing. The full color and coat are present somewhere in the first four years.

The History of Ragdolls – Josephine’s Genes

The history of Ragdoll genetics begins in the 1960s with a breeder named Ann Baker, who borrowed cats from her neighbor Mrs. Pennels.

These cats were the offspring of Josephine, a white semi-longhaired Angora. Josephine had a standoffish temperament, as did her kittens, until an accident where she was hit by a car.

After this, Josephine became much calmer, and so did her kittens.

They were unusually docile and relaxed. The felines also had a tendency to go limp when picked up. This is where the name Ragdoll came from, and where Baker adopted the term Raggedy Ann for her cattery.

Baker bought more kittens from a neighbor and began selectively breeding for the traits of a Ragdoll, including:

• Large size
• Pointed colorization
• The tendency to act like a Ragdoll and go limp when picked up.

These were the first Ragdolls, and they all carry Josephine’s genes.

Ragdoll Cat Breed History

Ragdoll Genetics: What breeds make up a Ragdoll cat?

The Ragdoll cats may have been a combination between the:

• Burmese
• Birman
• Persian cats

However, the cat credited as the first Ragdoll is Josephine, a white semi-longhaired Angora cat. As a result, Ragdoll cats are also known as Josephine’s daughters.

Are Ragdolls inbred?

When it comes to Ragdoll genetics, we must mention the issues with inbreeding.

Mating between individuals that are genetically related is called inbreeding. This includes relationships between:

• Siblings
• Parents and children
• Even subsequent generations.

These instances can naturally occur in nature with animals (including cheetahs and bees), despite the fact, that they are less common in mammals.

Humans, on the other hand, frequently cause inbreeding on purpose. This is especially true with cat breeders when they aim to develop specific hereditary features, mainly physical ones.

They do this to establish a standardized breed that appeals to pet owners, but it has a massive downside.

Inbreeding is a severe issue for Ragdoll cats. Daddy Warbucks, a single Ragdoll cat, is responsible for about 45 percent of their DNA.

The kittens from inbred crosses have little genetic diversity. This usually leads to:

• Hereditary disorders
• Degenerative disorders
• Shorter life span
• Reduced birthing rates
• Smaller litters
• Physical malformations in kittens
• An increased mortality rate of newborn cats.

Breed Standards for Ragdolls

The breeding standards for Ragdolls were first established by Ann Baker.

She formulated a complicated breeding policy and trademarked the name ‘Ragdoll’. Only breeders, that were registered as a franchisee through her International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA), are permitted to breed and register an official Ragdoll cat.

If you bred a Ragdoll without being a part of the IRCA on a franchise, you were refused permission to register the breed. Despite that, the nature of the cats made them popular, and so many breeders still signed up.

The franchise structure was eventually broken when the courts ruled that Baker’s demands were too onerous.

Since the franchise model was broken, the breed has been officially recognized, and you can find the breeding standards for Ragdolls at the Cat Fancier’s Association website.

Ragdoll Cat Breed Traits

Specifically, when it comes to colors, the standards state that point colors can be:

• Solid
• Lynx
• Parti-colored (including tortie).

To be up to point with the official Ragdoll genetics standard, all Ragdolls should:

• Be pointed.
• The mask, ears, legs, feet, and tail color should be dense and clearly defined.
• They are all in the same shade.

The only exception is if there is a white overlay in the Mitted, Bicolor, and Van patterns.

Ragdoll Genetics: The Bicolor Pattern

With a Bicolor pattern, the specifics for the Ragdoll breed include the white inverted ‘V’ mask remaining within the outer edge of the eyes, ideally symmetrical.

If the V:

• Extends beyond the outer edge, then the point score for the breed will be penalized.
• Has any dark spotting, the cat will be disqualified from the breed.

Points are expected to be white, but some spotting is acceptable.

Ragdoll Genetics: The Van Pattern

On a cat with a Van pattern, the point color is restricted to the ears, tail, and mask. It should be dense and clearly defined.

Masks can show a gradual fade. Penalties are given where more than twenty percent of the body color is white, and the cat is disqualified if there is no point color on the head or tail.

It’s worth noting that while the CFA permits the Van pattern, The International Cat Association (TICA) does not.

Ragdoll Genetics: The Colorpoint

The Colorpoint pattern is for cats that have ears, feet, a tail, and a mask with a darker and well-defined color, and with nose leather and paw pads, that match the color.

The chest, bib, and chin can be a lighter color than the rest of the body. Disqualification is if there is any presence of a locket or a white spot anywhere on the cat’s body.

Ragdoll Genetics: The Mitted Patterns

For the mitted pattern, cats should have:

• Legs (except feet), ears, marks, and a tail with well-defined color.
• The chin must be white and extend into a white belly stripe.
• There should be definite contrast between the body and the points, with white mittens on both front feet, ideally going up to the wrist joint.

Kittens may have ghost markings. The full color will develop within the first two years.

Cats are disqualified if they do not have a white chin. There are other standards beyond color and pattern that a Ragdoll must meet, too. Although, if you’re breeding Ragdolls then these should be fairly standard.

Do Ragdolls always have blue eyes?

As a quick guide, the cat’s eyes should always be blue, and they should have long fur with a minimal undercoat.

There’s a point-scoring system for the:

• Head
• Body
• Coat.

Cats are penalized in the standards if they have:

• A thick undercoat.
• The eyes are too small, too round, or either too pale or dark.
• A roman nose or a shorter tail.

As well as reading the official standards, I have a page all about colors and patterns where you can read more.

Thank you to all of the Ragdoll cat parents that sent in photos of their kitties with their parents – making this post possible.

Ragdoll Genetics: Pattern Combinations

Ragdolls are available in three colors:

• Colorpoint
• Mitted
• Bicolor.

Each of them is determined by the combination of alleles of the gene responsible for the distribution of white spots (White Spotting Factor – WSF).

There are different genotypic combinations for each of the colors.

Considering the six colors (plus the four Tortie combinations), the three patterns and the Agoutì, you get as many as 36 different varieties for males and even 60 for females!

via RagdollsBonBonKitty.com

Basic color combinations in Ragdoll Genetics

Seal Ragdolls with Their Parents

Chocolate Ragdolls and Their Parents

Red/Flame Ragdolls with Their Parents

Dilute color combinations in Ragdoll Genetics

Blue Ragdolls with Their Parents

Mink Ragdolls with Their Parents

Genetic Testing

When you’re breeding Ragdolls, it’s important to understand the genetic makeup of your cat, including full-coat color DNA. That way, you can better predict what you’ll get from a litter.

If you don’t know all the details, you can take a genetic test. A simple swab of your cat can tell you more information about your cat’s genetics as well as to help identify signs of your cat developing a genetic disease later in life.

Speak to your veterinarian if you want to know more about genetic testing of your cat. Although there are kits you can order online to do at home.

It’s usually a cheek swab so causes your cat no pain, and you just need to make sure to keep them comfortable to avoid distress.

Further Reading About Ragdoll genetics:

• TBRCC.co.uk
• RFCI.org Controlling White
• Ragalaxy.com Ragdoll Standards
• CFA.org
• RFCI.org Color Chart
• Ragdoll International Colors
• Ragdoll International Colors Part 2
• Ragdoll International Colors Part 3

Ragdoll Cat Breed Kitten Care

Getting a new pet is always an exciting experience. And Ragdolls are extraordinary cats. They are so loving and sweet! However, there are certain things you need to keep in mind if you’re getting a baby Ragdoll kitten at home.

To make the adoption process less stressful for your new kitten, you can learn more about bringing your Ragdoll kitten home.

Ragdoll Genetics: General Information and Predispositions

1. Heart Disease

One of the most common diseases we encounter in Ragdoll genetics, is usually connected with the feline’s heart health. And the most common heart condition Ragdolls are genetically predisposed to, is called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (or HCM).

How common is HCM in Ragdolls?

Approximately 30% of Ragdoll cats have a genetic mutation that makes it likely that they will develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of the muscle walls of the heart).

Over time this condition leads to heart failure and/or other complications such as increased risk of blockage of major blood vessels by blood clots. Heart failure causes increasing discomfort and malaise in affected animals which can occur over a prolonged period. Blockage of blood vessels causes severe pain.

Animals with the genetic mutation that causes this condition can be detected before the reach the age they are commonly bred at using a specific genetic test and ultrasound scanning of the heart.

It is thought that the disease could be rapidly eliminated by not breeding from affected animals.

via ufaw.org.uk

2. Arterial Thromboembolism

Arterial Thromboembolism, also known as FATE (Feline Aortic Thromboembolism), could be developed by cats with heart conditions. This is a life-threatening condition, commonly encountered with cats with HCM.

Blood clots most commonly become lodged just past the aorta, the large blood vessel that supplies blood from the heart to the body, blocking normal blood flow to the hind legs. When this happens, one or both hind legs may become paralyzed, cold, or painful.

via Ahcfargo.com

It is very important to contact your vet immediately if you notice that your Ragdoll is dragging one or both of her back legs and cries painfully. Your cat might be in need of urgent need of medical attention.

3. Blood Type

Ragdoll genetics is a very interesting topic when it comes to blood types. The most widespread blood type among Ragdoll cats is A type, followed by AB type, and finally, B type.

With a relatively high percentage of AB blood type cats, Ragdolls could be considered an ideal donor for feline blood transfusion programs.

4. Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (NI)/Hemolytic Icterus

One of the downsides of Ragdoll genetics is that you can’t completely control what traits, qualities, or diseases could be passed from the cat mom to the kittens.

Neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI) is a tragic loss for cat breeders, and it’s frequently overlooked as an infectious condition, genetic abnormality, or natural selection. In reality, it’s just a case of mismatched blood types.

People’s blood types are 0, A, B, and AB. After the blood type, we have a positive or a negative sign. The plus or minus after the blood type in humans show the Rh factor – a red blood cell protein.

Cats do not have Rh factor but a similar parental blood mismatch can occur involving the feline blood types A, B, and AB blood.

Cats with type A blood naturally carry antibodies against type B blood and cats with type B blood naturally have antibodies against type A blood. These antibodies do not need exposure to another cat’s blood during birth (as with human Rh disease) or from an incompatible transfusion; those antibodies are just naturally there, ready to attack the opposite blood type.

It turns out that only some type A cats carry anti-B antibodies and the the ones that do only carry small amounts.

On the other hand, all type B cats carry a lot of anti-A antibodies. When a type B mother cat is carrying a litter of type A kittens, the stage is set for disaster.

In people, antibodies cross the placenta and cause damage to the unborn baby. In cats, the placenta blocks the antibodies and protects the litter but there no natural protection once they are born and have to nurse their type B mother’s milk.

More specifically, the problem happens when they nurse their mother’s colostrum, which is naturally loaded with antibodies aimed at destroying Type A red blood cells.

via Marvistavet.com

Possible Treatment for Affected Kittens

Even though it’s very difficult to recognize Neonatal isoerythrolysis, there are a few things you can do to try and save the babies life:

• Remove the kittens from the mom immediately for the first 24 hours of their life.
• Washed red cells blood transfusion. Even though it could be effective, this method is usually challenging to put in use with newborn kittens.

Ragdoll Genetics: Preventing Neonatal Isoerythrolysis

• Knowing that B blood type is common with Ragdolls, it’s a good idea to test your cat’s blood type if you’re planning to breed her. The same goes for the male cat. This will help you with prevention best.
• If it’s possible, avoid breeding cats with B blood type with cats with other blood types. If you have a female with a B blood type, consider only mating it with a male with the same blood type.
• Remove all newborn kittens from the cat mom in the first 24 hours of their life. This is the time when she produces colostrum, which usually causes the problem with NI.

5. Polycystic Kidney Disease

Unfortunately, the Ragdoll genetics didn’t make an exception about kidney diseases in Ragdolls.

If you’re interested in learning more about kidney disease in cats, we have an interview with Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM you don’t want to miss.

6. Mast Cell Tumors (MCTs)

Mast cell tumors (MCTs) in cats are the second most frequent kind of skin cancer. Research shows that:

Some pedigree breeds were more susceptible to MCTs, particularly the Siamese, Burmese, Russian Blue and Ragdoll.

The head was the most common site in younger cats, compared with the trunk in older cats. The number of tumours had no effect on survival.

A new subcategory of well-differentiated MCTs with prominent multinucleated cells is described, and three of the five cats with this novel form died from MCT-related disease.

There was an association between mitotic index and survival time.

However, there was no significant association between histological type and survival.

via pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

7. FIP Susceptibility

Feline Infectious Peritonitis, otherwise known as FIP, is a virulent virus, that occurs as a mutation of the otherwise benign Coronavirus. The reasons could be either due to an immune deficiency or the predisposition in Ragdoll genetics. 

Read more: Can a cat with FIP survive?

8. Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis, the most prevalent systemic fungal infection in cats, is caused by the C. neoformans-C.gattii species complex. The complex contains eight genotypes and various subtypes (strains) with different:

• Geographical distributions
• Pathogenicity
• Antibiotic sensitivity.

Read more about Ragdoll genetics and Cryptococcosis in cats in this post on our blog.

Ragdoll Genetics FAQs

How many breeds of Ragdoll cats are there?

Ragdoll cats are only one breed of cats. However, the Ragdoll genetics include the genes of different cat breeds.

You can read all about it in the article above.

How do I know if my Ragdoll is purebred?

If you want to be sure you’re getting a cat with a champion bloodline in Ragdoll genetics, there’re a few things you can do:

1. Buy a Ragdoll cat with official pedigree papers. These are issued from a recognized cat association (like CFA or TICA) and are only available for recognized breeders.
2. A DNA test on the cat can help answer whether the cat is a Ragdoll or a Ragdoll mix.

What makes a purebred Ragdoll?

If you’re wondering how can I find out if my cat is a Ragdoll, you need to check:

• Does the cat have official papers, stating breed from a reputable cat association like CFA or TICA?
• Does your cat cover the breed standards for Ragdoll cats?

Read more about Ragdoll genetics and the standards for these fascinating feline creatures in the post above.

Can Ragdolls have green eyes?

A purebred Ragdoll cat has big, bright blue eyes. It is controversial and pure Ragdoll genetics don’t allow for these felines to have green eyes.

Mink and sepia Ragdolls can have aqua or green eyes – and their acceptance as purebred Ragdolls is questionable in some circles.

Do Ragdoll kittens’ eyes stay blue?

Yes, Ragdoll kittens‘ eyes stay blue their whole life. This is one of the most popular traits of Ragdoll genetics.

Why are Ragdoll cats so floppy?

Wondering if all Ragdoll cats go limp when you pick them up? Not always. But this is why/how they got their name.

Are Ragdoll cats related to Siamese?

It’s a common confusion for people to think that Ragdolls and Siamese cats are related. That’s probably because of the similar colors and patterns some of these cats have.

However, the Ragdoll genetics are not related to Siamese. They are two completely different breeds of cats. Learn more about the differences between Ragdolls vs Siamese.

Are Ragdoll cats genetically modified?

No, the Ragdoll cat breed is not genetically modified. They are purposefully bred but not genetically modified:

The origin of the Ragdoll breed consisted almost entirely of free-roaming cats.

Ann bred Josephine, a domestic longhaired white female that was found running loose in her neighborhood, to other cats she owned or found.

The offspring of this female had unique temperament traits that were very endearing.

By selecting individuals with the look, temperament and criteria she wanted for her breeding program, she created the Ragdoll breed.

via CFA.org

In Conclusion

If you have an interest in Ragdoll genetics or you’re into breeding Ragdolls, there’s a huge amount of information available to help you breed the color and pattern that you want to or to help you preserve the purebred standards and get official breed recognition.

Genetic testing is useful if you’re starting out as a breeder, as you can learn a lot about:

• Ragdoll genetics
• Dominant and recessive colors
• Genetic health conditions

If you have a specific plan to breed the diluted colors, such as the popular lilac Ragdolls, using a combination of genetic testing and the color/pattern predictor tools will help you have the best chance of success.

Leave a comment below if you’ve looked into the genetics of your Ragdoll or if you’ve considered breeding. Or even just to share a story about which parent your kitten looks most like!

Did you like this article about Ragdoll genetics? Then you’re going to love these blog posts, too:

• Ragdoll Cats: EVERYTHING You Need To Know About Ragdoll Cats & Kittens
• Average Lifespan of a Ragdoll Cat
• How to Tell if My Cat is a Ragdoll?
• Seal Point Ragdoll Cats – Mitted, Colorpoint, Bicolor & Lynx Ragdoll Cats
• How to Know a Reputable Breeder from a Bad One: An Interview with Sharon Shulby